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Summary

  • Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that takes travelers on a nine-month journey across all seven continents, visiting 65 countries, 11 World Wonders, and 150 ports of call. It offers unparalleled luxury and the opportunity to customize the itinerary.
  • The Ultimate World Cruise is divided into four segments, each exploring different regions of the world. Guests can choose to embark on one or more segments, allowing them to experience the highlights of each continent and immerse themselves in distinct world cultures.
  • The price of the Ultimate World Cruise varies depending on the room style, ranging from $59,999 for an Interior Stateroom to $760,000 for a Royal Suite. Guests can also choose to book individual segments of the cruise at a lesser cost. Additional fees, taxes, and port expenses apply. Other cruise lines also offer world cruises with immersive itineraries and diverse destinations.

This is it - the penultimate answer to every traveler's desires, calling those whose long-held dream is to dedicate several months to travel the planet, experiencing the top sights and sounds across this good gracious earth. As one of the best cruise lines dominating the travel industry, Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise is the first of its kind; it takes globetrotters across the world on their Serenade of the Seas ship - a luxury vessel with a capacity of 2,466, comprising every modern comfort and amenity adventurer could ever crave on a once-in-a-lifetime trip across each continent.

Here, readers get an exciting insight into what might just be the most incredible experience to ever be offered to mere mortals - specifically, those with a pretty penny to burn. As the first time something so spectacular like this has ever been revealed, it's safe to say this: everyone's excited. Travelers can also explore the world with the Royal Caribbean by embarking on their other outstanding cruises.

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UPDATE: 2023/08/08 13:34 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Royal Caribbean Continues To Be The Ultimate World Cruise

The Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise has brought the definition of World Cruise to a whole new level. However, travelers can still find cruises that demand less time to explore the world. This list was updated to include more options for world cruises.

What Is The Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise?

Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Cruise Ship
Roger W from Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A.CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Cruise Ship

The lucky travelers who'll get to relish this unparalleled luxury exploration of planet Earth will spend a grand total of 274 nights with like-minded globetrotters, savoring iconic global highlights and mesmerizing discoveries across all seven continents. Never before offered, the Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise sets sail on December 10, 2023, from Miami, Florida, returning once again from whence it departed nine months later on September 10, 2024. On four individual segments compiled into one mind-boggling trip, guests will visit 65 countries, seven continents, over 11 World Wonders, and 150 ports of call on this unrivaled venture around the world - one that truly is the be-all and end-all to beat all cruises.

Incredibly, what makes this jaunt around Earth even more remarkable is its flexibility. Should devoting a whole nine months traversing the continents be a bit too much to do on one trip, guests can pick and choose which sections of the world tour they prefer the most, allowing them to completely customize this overly bucket-list-worthy escapade to see the very best parts of the planet they wish to visit the most.

Travelers can select any of the four immersive, carefully curated Ultimate World Cruise segments of 60 plus nights instead of the entire month-to-month adventure on board, each connecting them with distinct world cultures, the most legendary landscapes, and a handful of World Wonders, all showcasing the unlimited creations and capacities of both Mother Nature and humankind alike.

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What World Wonders There Are To See On The World Cruise?

An alpaca at Machu Picchu
Photo by Junior Moran on Unsplash
An alpaca at Machu Picchu, Peru

Visiting the Wonders of the World isn't so expensive if visitors plan to visit them in different travels, but they can see everything during this cruise. The Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise doesn't do anything by halves. With no less than 11 Wonders of the World on the itinerary, guests get the amazing opportunity to experience firsthand:

  • Chichen Itza, Mexico
  • Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
  • Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
  • The Great Wall of China, China
  • The Taj Mahal, India
  • Petra, Jordan
  • Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
  • Temple of Artemis, Turkey
  • The Colosseum, Italy

Where Will The World Cruise Go?

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Photo by  Andreea Munteanu on Unsplash
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The massive nine-month trek across the world's oceans is split into four segments, which each feature the most outstanding attractions and destinations of every continent. A breakdown of the cruise's sections is as follows:

The Ultimate Americas Cruise

Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro
Image by Jose Guertzenstein from Pixabay 
Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro
  • From December 10, 2022, to February 11, 2023
  • 64 Nights
  • 36 Destinations

The first segment of the world cruise starts in Miami, taking travelers to witness standout scenes of the Americas. From pristine Caribbean shores - such as the ABC Islands - to wildlife-watching the likes of penguins, sea lions, and whales in the glacier-filled Antarctica area of Cape Horn, the diversity involved in this section is truly show-stopping. Guests will also encounter World Wonders in South America, including extraordinary natural phenomena and magnificent man-made marvels, like Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the world's largest waterfall system of Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires, the biggest Art Deco sculpture in the world, and the mighty Machu Picchu - the most symbolic remnant of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. After these sensational sights, guests will then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to bear witness to secluded coves and rugged rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, after which they'll go on to discover enchanting Ensenada.

The Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

Beautiful flowers lined up in front of Taj Mahal in India
Image by Richard Mcall from Pixabay
Beautiful flowers lined up in front of Taj Mahal in India
  • From February 11, 2023, to May 9, 2023
  • 87 Nights
  • 40 Destinations

This legacy at sea sends voyagers on the mesmeric paths of Australia and Asia, exploring Hawaii all the way to the crystalline, warm waters of Moorea and Tahiti in paradisiacal French Polynesia. Guests will also venture off to discover the kaleidoscopic marine realm bustling on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, savor unspoiled natural scenery in Bali, and experience in person one of the most iconic human-made World Wonders - the Great Wall of China. What's more, they'll get to visit the futuristic city of Tokyo and its culture-rich, brightly lit urban sprawls, as well as take in what could easily be described as one of the most breathtaking buildings on the planet: India's stunning and highly elaborate Taj Mahal.

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The Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise

Dubai eye on the Jumeirah beach, Dubai
Shutterstock
Dubai eye on the Jumeirah beach, Dubai
  • From May 9, 2023, to July 10, 2023
  • 63 Nights
  • 44 Destinations

Be it basking in the glitz and glamour of Dubai or soaking up the World Wonders crafted by ancient civilizations headed by historic pharaohs and emperors - such as The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt - this segment is for those who've dreamed of experiencing the most recognizable and indeed the most beautiful landmarks in the Middle East. Not least, this section also grants travelers many of the most revered attractions and pre-historic ruins across both the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, including the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, and even the impressive Colosseum in Rome.

Furthermore, the ship will sail to lesser-visited Greek ports a little more off the traditional tourist trail, like Olympia, the exact place where the first Olympic Games took place, and also the sanctuary site to honor the ancient Greek God - Zeus. If none of these destinations and world marvels quite do it for travelers, perhaps checking out many more wonderful European sites steeped in history and stories of the past might make this section of the cruise all the more appealing, with the city of Split in Croatia, Beautiful Barcelona in Spain, and the dazzling French duos of Provence and Cannes all on the roster.

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Ultimate Europe & Beyond

An aerial view of Barcelona, Spain
Photo by Logan Armstrong on Unsplash
An aerial view of Barcelona, Spain
  • From July 10, 2023, to September 10, 2023
  • 63 Nights
  • 40 Destinations

The last leg of the Ultimate World Cruise entails an experience-laden cultural exploration setting sail in the Med, from where the ship heads north. From beautiful Barcelona and its gorgeous architecture, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, to the culinary delights and sublime sights in Morocco, this section is an indulgent treat to both the eyes and tongue. Beautifully blending the warmer European destinations with those in its chillier parts, the trip also incorporates the majestic fjords in Norway and biking through the captivating capital of Denmark - Copenhagen.

Next up, the final natural marvel on the menu is akin to an alien planet - the geothermal seawater at Iceland's The Blue Lagoon, which is followed by a much-loved city destination - New York. Last but not least, the journey is perfected by a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay - Royal Caribbean's private island exclusive to its guests - before heading back to Miami to end what will have been the most life-changing adventure any human might ever take that's not in space.

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How Much Is the Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise?

Several cruises on a port
Unsplash
Several cruises on a port

Naturally, with what may be the most intensive exploration of the planet, the total for tickets to Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise isn't for the faint of heart. Five unique room styles are up for grabs, each with varying price tags, which, for the whole nine-month jaunt around the globe, are as follows:

  • Interior Stateroom: from $59,999 per person
  • Ocean View Stateroom: from $64,999 per person
  • Balcony Stateroom: from $82,949 per person
  • Junior Suites: from $117,599 per person
  • Royal Suite – $760,000 per person

In addition to these cabin prices, guests will have taxes, port expenses, and fees on top to pay, which are around $4,667 per person. They can also have a 10% discount by paying in full.

Those who prefer to book one or more of each segment of the world cruise can do so for a lesser sum, with each room price for every journey section being as follows:

Ultimate Americas Cruise - 64 Nights

  • Interior Stateroom: $13,399
  • Ocean View Stateroom: $14,799
  • Balcony Stateroom: $18,899

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise - 87 Nights

  • Interior Stateroom: $17,999
  • Ocean View Stateroom: $19,599
  • Balcony Stateroom: $25,099

Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise - 63 Nights

  • Interior Stateroom: $14,899
  • Ocean View Stateroom: $14,799
  • Balcony Stateroom: $20,799

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise - 63 Nights

  • Interior Stateroom: $14,299
  • Ocean View Stateroom: $15,299
  • Balcony Stateroom: $19,799
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The Top View Of Vatican City, Rome
Photo by Caleb Miller on Unsplash
The Top View Of Vatican City, Rome

Not for the light-hearted traveler, the Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise is a feat like no other ever brought to the travel sector before. Be it the whole nine-month-long getaway traversing the planet's entirety while witnessing and experiencing every spectacular sight, sound, and scene on both the natural and human-made stage or one or more of the fantastic, thoughtfully planned cruise segments covering the best highlights of each corner of the globe, this is one heck of a trip discerning explorers simply do not want to miss - but it isn't cheap, so now's the time to start saving.

Other Options For World Cruises

While Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise has the ultimate itinerary, other cruise lines are famous for their world cruises. They allow travelers to embark on extended voyages that span continents and explore a diverse range of destinations.

Sydney Harbor, Sydney, Australia
Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash
Sun peeking through buildings over Sydney Harbor, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  • Cunard Line: Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth are known for their world cruises, offering luxurious experiences and immersive itineraries that can last several months.
  • Holland America Line: Holland America's Grand World Voyage is a popular option, featuring a global circumnavigation with enriching onboard programs and diverse destinations.
  • Princess Cruises: Princess Cruises offers world cruises on ships like Pacific Princess, offering a mix of exotic ports and cultural experiences.
  • Oceania Cruises: Oceania's world cruises focus on unique and in-depth explorations, often visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • Silversea Cruises: Silversea's world cruises offer all-inclusive luxury experiences aboard smaller ships, allowing personalized service and access to unique ports.
  • MSC Cruises: MSC offers longer itineraries that explore multiple continents, allowing travelers to experience diverse cultures.